The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 21, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 24, 2002
Mark A. Kramarczyk, Westland, MI (US);
Gary Lee Jones, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Yhu-tin Lin, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Phillip A. Bojda, Macomb, MI (US);
Mark A. Kramarczyk, Westland, MI (US);
Gary Lee Jones, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Yhu-Tin Lin, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Phillip A. Bojda, Macomb, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A pick-and-place tool releasably retains a part during a pick-and-place operation by an automated device. The pick-and-place tool includes a front structure having a first bore disposed therein for receiving a shaft extending from the part. A plurality of locking mechanisms is disposed within the front structure. The plurality of locking mechanisms are evenly spaced around the inner surface and are in fluid communication with a common fluid source. Each locking mechanism in the plurality of locking mechanisms includes a bearing disposed proximate an aperture in the inner surface, and a piston in mechanical communication with the bearing. Movement of the piston in response to a fluid pressure at the common fluid source forces the bearing to extend through the aperture and retain the shaft within the first bore. In one aspect, a resilient member is disposed between the front structure and a tool holder coupled to the automated device. The resilient member absorbs at least a portion of a force applied to the front structure.